Faculty and Administration

Ranken Technical College has responded to the need for specialized training for technicians in the workforce. Over the past decade, the Major Appliance and HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) industries have widely adopted electronic integration into their systems, which has necessitated industry specific certifications and education. These changes occur at a time when there is already a growing gap in the supply and demand of skilled workers and Ranken is the only school in the St. Louis region that offers students the opportunity to earn dual degrees in these areas with only an additional semester of enrollment.

Mehmet Dinceroglu is one of those students. Mehmet graduated in May 2019 with dual associate degrees in HVAC Technology and Major Appliance Technology.  He is employed by DLT Properties, a family-owned property management company, as a maintenance technician.

Gary Bick, HVAC instructor, tells us “Mehmet had a very strong HVAC/Appliance background and he progressed very well through each subject. I had to keep plenty of material in front of him. He also would assist his fellow students if he saw they were struggling and help them figure it out. Mehmet was a pleasure to work with in my class.”

At the SkillsUSA 2019 SkillsUSA National Conference, Mehmet placed first in the Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technology category. He and the other contenders analyzed and diagnosed service issues on refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges, microwave ovens and dishwashers, demonstrated brazing abilities, participated in interviews, and were tested on a series of other learning exercise. In addition, Mehmet was also awarded tools and several other prizes including a $500 stipend for representing Ranken at the national conference.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Adam Blattel is much like many talented adults who spend years in search of their niche. Adam graduated with an Associate Degree in Automotive Maintenance Technology in May 2003. He returned to Ranken the fall term of 2019 as an evening student to pursue a two-year certificate in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC), graduating in December 2020. Adam is a HVAC Technician at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

Benjamin Brown, HVAC Section Supervisor at Scott Air Force Base and HVAC instructor at Ranken Technical College, tells us “Adam was in my residential HVAC class. He was very serious about his education. He worked hard in class and asked lots of questions; his communication skills are outstanding. Adam applied for a temporary position at Scott AFB in the 375^th HVAC Shop. This is a great way to gain experience working on all types of commercial, residential, and institutional equipment just coming out of school. He was hired as an apprentice but is working at a journeyman skill level. Adam is maintaining critical chillers, pumps, and air handling units that enable the Air Force global mission. He has been recognized as the ‘Performer of the Month’ for the 375^th Civil Engineering Squadron. His background is working with computers and this fits in great when working with automated control systems. Adam is always on time and ready to work. He displays outstanding work ethic.  I am proud to know Adam and to have been one of his instructors.”

Adam acknowledges, “My certificate from Ranken is the only reason I have this job. Every respected employer in this region requires you to attend Ranken. When speaking with potential employers in the Greater St. Louis area, like Jarrell Contracting and the Union, I repeatedly heard the same advice, ‘You have to go to Ranken.’” Of Adam’s favorite memories while attending Ranken, he enjoyed helping younger students succeed.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.scott.af.mil/

Over the past year our society has seen a renewed emphasis on, and appreciation of, essential workers. Among the most needed are those that maintain climate control systems. Ranken Technical College helped Jason Monesmith enter this skilled profession at a critical time – he earned his Certificate in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Technology Magna Cum Laude in May 2020.

Mike Graft, one of Jason’s instructors, says that he “possesses the knowledge and drive needed to succeed in this everchanging field.” Mike was especially impressed by his attitude, sensing that his “possibilities are limitless, and I know Jason will work hard and strive to be the best in his position.”

Jason is employed by Goldkamp Heating and Cooling, a Florissant, MO-based company that prides itself on the efficiency and training level of its staff. Goldkamp’s Installation Manager, Patrick Luley, tells us his new employee has rapidly become an invaluable asset, noting “Jason is awesome! He’s so team friendly and everyone loves to work with him. [He] often comes to me with work-related ideas of his own.” Patrick is even confident that someday, Jason will “have a business of his own.”

Jason found his HVACR experience satisfying on both a professional and a personal level, telling us “Ranken taught me useful information for the trade I am in. I enjoyed the friendships I made with my classmates and instructors.” Jason Monesmith is an outstanding example of a Ranken career success story – impressing everyone he comes into contact with while providing indispensable services to his community!

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

https://www.facebook.com/GoldkampHVAC/

https://www.goldkamphvac.com/

Graduate Jacob Hartman says attending Ranken gave him the skills he needed to succeed professionally, as well as skills he needed in life.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student at Ranken,” Hartman says. “I will always say it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Hartman graduated in May 2016, first with an Associate of Technology in Control Systems Technology, then received a Certificate of HVAC in May 2019. He now works as an R&D Lab Technician at Hussmann Corporation, where he’s been for the last four years.

“On each project, Jacob brings his skills learned at Ranken as a strong knowledge base, and adds new skills learned on the job,” said Hussmann R&D Manager Mike D’Anna. “In this regard Jacob Exceeds expectations working in the Hussmann R&D Center.”

Before attending Ranken, Jacob says he almost shut the door on going to college. But with the help and encouragement of his cousin, Jacob decided to go for it.
“Ranken gave me the structure I needed to be successful in life,” he says. “Going to Ranken completely changed my life.”

https://www.facebook.com/hussmanncorp

https://www.hussmann.com/

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Outside of the hands-on training that Dale McCrackin received during his time at Ranken, there was something else just as important Dale says helped his development.

“I must first thank my instructors at Ranken, because without
them I would not be where I am today,” McCrackin says. “I truly felt like they were always looking out for me and my classmates during my time at Ranken. They also taught me interpersonal skills that I use every single day.”

McCrackin is a spring 2019 Ranken graduate, having completed both the HVAC-R and Major Appliance programs, with MAGNA honors. He now works as a Controls Technician at The CTS Group.

As a Ranken student, McCrackin says his favorite memory was of getting the opportunity to participate in a “How-to” video featuring an unreleased product with the company NIDEC.

“This was a great opportunity to meet some wonderful people from that company and get some insight into up and coming products in my industry,” he says.

https://www.facebook.com/CTSgroup.ESCO

https://www.veregy.com/about-us/

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Michael Landolt graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ranken’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program in 2011. He tells us, “Ranken instilled strong, practical knowledge in an evolving industry allowing me to be effective in the industry as technology advances. The core concepts I learned from the various courses set me up for success in my future career.”

His favorite memory of his time spent at Ranken is, “The various ages of equipment in the shop were an excellent representation of the real-world environment of performing service work. There was a very old residential furnace with ribbon burners and a natural draft flue. I had lots of fun working on the relay logic of the system.”

Michael has been recognized for his leadership and dedication to the energy industry on several occasions. He won the Association of Energy Engineering’s Corporate Energy Management Award and Region IV Group Award, and Aramark’s Service Star Volunteer and Campus of Excellence Awards. His project management skills have proven paramount according to Michael Heroux, Aramark Technical & Energy Director at Baylor University (BU). Mr. Heroux explains, “Michael’s oversight and diligent management of planning and implementing work and operational assignments over Baylor Energy Complex has been exceptional. His work on the Aramark Baylor University Energy team was instrumental in achieving energy savings of over $1.25M over the last four years. Michael set up and implemented over five plant tours and energy discussions with BU Engineering students.  We received multiple thank you’s and appreciation from both faculty and students, ‘A Great Education Experience’.”

Photo taken pre-pandemic, Michael Landolt pictured far-right.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

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https://www.baylor.edu/facilities_management/index.php?id=950265

Bruce used the GI Bill to pay for his education and worked on campus over the summer painting fences to help cover expenses. He also worked on campus at night answering phone calls and keeping track of tuition payments. After graduating from Ranken, Bruce and his classmate, Terry Chance, took jobs in Baton Rouge, Louisiana working for JF Nailer. He was there for less than a year when they went on strike, so he moved back home to Quincy, IL. There he worked as a maintenance man for Motorola for six months and then for Meyer Heating and AC where he worked for two and a half years. Bruce then decided to open his own business.  Bruening Heating and Air Conditioning has been in business for 46 years and has two locations. Bruce has been joined in the business by Sandra, his wife of 50 years, and all three of his children. Chad, 44, learned the trade on the job and was later joined by his wife who is now the secretary. Mary, 42, went to college and then decided to learn the trade and join the family business. Kelly, 36, started out as a secretary and then moved into sales and now heads up the fireplace and grill side of the business. Bruce’s favorite memories are his classmates and teachers, “Mr. Groves was a character and told us how it was.” He remembers. Bruce also remembers his classmate Paul Mueller who became a Ranken teacher, “One day while Paul was teaching, I snuck into his class while he was writing on the board. When he turned around and saw me, we both had a good laugh.”

Before enrolling at Ranken, Everett spent four years in the Navy from 1964-1968. He used the GI Bill to attend Ranken and worked evenings while attending classes. When he graduated, he worked for Mac’s Plumbing and Heating in East St. Louis. While in East St. Louis, where he lived for twenty years, he also worked for the City of East St. Louis and the East St. Louis School District. He also taught HVAC at State Community College. Everett was in East St. Louis for 20 years and then moved back to Columbia, MO, his hometown. For much of his career, he was self-employed servicing and installing. Everett remembers some valuable lessons that he learned while a student at Ranken, “Ranken helped me tremendously. We had to follow rules and regulations, which I was used to from the Navy. Some people have a hard time with this, but this is what makes Ranken special. Ranken also taught us to treat people right and to do what is in the best interest of the customer. Some companies just want to install new equipment, but we learned to repair equipment so that we could save customers money.” Everett still works part-time.